Speaker Abbas Slams State Govts Over Failure To Address Farmer-Herder Clashes

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has berated state governments over their inability to curtail the current farmer-herder conflicts.

He expressed concern over the government’s failure to pass ranching-friendly legislation which has resulted in prolonged outmoded cattle-rearing practices.

The lawmaker shared his reservations on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ meeting of the House of Representatives Committee on Environment, which was held to discuss the impact of climate change on farmer-herder conflicts.

Abbas, represented by Dicsok Teke, emphasized the tragic consequences of farmer-herder conflict, such as families abandoning their homes and extreme food insecurity.

He urged the government to use advanced farming techniques to combat food insecurity.

The speaker advocated for a shift from nomadic to ranching, citing a lack of political will and laws as major barriers.

He encouraged the state and federal governments to contribute resources and pass legislation to address the farmer-herder crisis.

Sen. Gorge Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, as represented by Prof. Bolaji Babatunde, underlined Nigeria’s duty to prepare for climate change.

He promised to work with lawmakers to engage stakeholders and address farmer-herder disputes.

The Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Terseer Ugbor, lamented that Benue State has been severely hit, with over three million people displaced as a result of farmer-herder violence.